Well done, Charithea. A Tamarix it is, probably smyrnensis.
The poor specimens had been hacked back and the stumps were resprouting in a most peculiar way. I must confess, though, that after posting the photo, I learned that they had also been treated with glyphosate. I don't know if this has anything to do with the strange appearance.
I hope you enjoyed your walk on the beach at the crack of dawn, Hilary.
